2011 - 2012 Programs of Instruction

Westminster’s instructional programs are characterized by an experienced and available faculty and staff; liberal arts, interdisciplinary and professional programs emphasizing both theoretical and practical learning; an administration committed to academic excellence; a genuine concern for each student’s plans and aspirations; small classes that encourage involvement and active learning; and a diverse and friendly student body.

The college welcomes students from all backgrounds and ages, and believes that the knowledge and discipline acquired through the rigors of higher education will lead to new and expanded opportunities.

The college’s instructional programs are organized and administered through four schools: the School of Arts and Sciences; the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business; the School of Education; and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Students choose majors in schools that will best assist them in achieving their academic goals and career interests, and they take courses through the other schools to ensure a balance in their academic endeavors. Close working relationships among the faculty in all four schools are of utmost importance to the college in assisting its students.

Each school is directed by a dean and has its own faculty. Instructional programs and procedures are recommended by the faculty members of each school and approved by the entire college faculty. The four academic deans and the provost and vice president for academic affairs constitute a Council of Deans who are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the instructional programs.

Westminster’s academic calendar is divided into fall and spring semesters, followed by a four-week May Term and the annual commencement exercise. One eight-week undergraduate summer term is also offered.

During May Term, undergraduate students concentrate on one or two offerings in a more time-intensive experience than would occur during the rest of the academic year. Some of the May Term courses are offered abroad, with past May Term study experiences including Mexico, Asia, Australia, France, England, China, Greece and Italy.

The instructional programs and faculty of Westminster’s four schools, as well as the independent ROTC programs, are listed and described on the following pages. Courses listed are subject to change following normal academic procedures that call for action by each school and by the entire college faculty. Additions, deletions, or changes effected since the publication of this academic catalog are on file in the Office of the Registrar.

Westminster is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

School of Arts and Sciences

Mary Jane Chase, DeanCarolyn Connell, Associate Dean

Undergraduate Programs of the School of Arts and Sciences

The School of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most diverse of the four schools at Westminster. Programs range from the traditional arts and sciences to professional offerings such as communication and computer science. Most of the college’s liberal education courses are offered through the School of Arts and Sciences.

The School of Arts and Sciences encompasses the instructional offerings listed below:

Anthropology

Justice Studies

Art and Fine Arts

Latin

Arts Administration

Mathematics

Biology

Music

Chemistry

Neuroscience

Chinese

Paleontology

Communication

Philosophy

Computer Information Systems

Physics

Computer Science

Political Studies

Earth Systems Science

Pre-Dental

Engineering 3-2

Pre-Law

English

Pre-Medical

Environmental Studies

Psychology

Film Studies

Religious Studies

French

Social Sciences

Gender Studies

Sociology

History

Spanish

Honors Program

Theatre Arts

Japanese

See individual programs in Arts and Sciences to determine whether a B.A., B.S., or B.F.A. degree is conferred.

Graduate Programs of the School of Arts and Sciences

Master of Professional Communication

The Westminster Master of Professional Communication (MPC) program is designed to help individuals enhance their communication skills and develop expertise in a specialized communication field.

The Master of Professional Communication (MPC) program and the related Communication Certificates are designed to prepare writers and communication experts for positions in business, industry, government, or any other organization where communication skills are essential. MPC classes are held during evenings and on weekends, and students may enroll in as many or as few courses as scheduling allows.

Master of Science in Professional Counseling

The Master of Science in Professional Counseling is a graduate program that prepares students for clinical practice and potential licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.). This 3 year program requires 60 hours of graduate work, following guidelines established by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (i.e., specializations in Mental Health Counseling or Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling) and the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Broad in scope, its focus and course work support a range of theoretical perspectives and potential practice with diverse treatment populations.

The Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business

Jin Wang, Dean

The Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business is dedicated to providing distinctive academic programs based on the integration of business and liberal arts education. This integration in both curriculum and delivery systems is requisite to prepare our students for life-long learning and to aid their adaptation to changing social, technological and economic conditions. This integration enhances the capabilities of our graduates in written and oral communication, computing and technology, international dimensions, critical thinking, ethics, social responsibility, and team effectiveness.

Accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the programs of the Gore School of Business reflect Westminster College's continuing commitment to provide a student-oriented learning environment and innovative education of exceptional quality. The integration of business and liberal arts education contributes to students' effectiveness as citizens and agents of change. Whether students are preparing for entry-level or mid-career qualifications, the programs of the Gore School of Business offer a solid foundation of business knowledge and understanding of the complexity of organizations as they function in a global environment. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The school also develops and presents non-credit classes, seminars, institutes, and workshops to meet the training and professional development needs of local businesses, government and non-profit agencies, and community groups.

All programs within the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business are accredited by ACBSP with the exception of the Flight Operations major of the Aviation Studies program, and the B.A. Economics program.

Graduate Programs of the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business

Master of Accountancy

The Master of Accountancy is designed to meet the needs of students interested in a professional career in accounting. This program is unique in the sense that it recognizes the highly integrated relationship between the disciplines of accounting and information systems which has evolved in the recent past. Students completing this program will be well prepared to sit for the CPA exam and positioned to accept high-level leadership roles in either public accounting or corporate environments.

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration is a professional program that prepares students for executive decision making in dynamic business environments. It will teach students how to achieve their career goals by building professional and personal skill sets. Students can customize the program to strengthen career-specific abilities. The program emphasizes the practical and applied aspects of business.

Master of Business Administration in Technology Management

The Master of Business Administration in Technology Management is a professional program that prepares students for executive leadership roles in technology-driven business environments. Specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals with technical backgrounds, it will teach students how to achieve their career goals by building their professional and personal skill sets. Students can customize the program to strengthen career-specific abilities. The program emphasizes the practical and applied aspects of commercializing innovative products and managing the businesses that develop them.

Accelerated Master of Business Administration for Westminster Undergraduate Students

Students who have completed an undergraduate business program within five years at Westminster College in Accounting, Aviation Management, Business, B.S. in Economics, Information Resource Management, or International Business may have the option, based on admission to the MBA program, of completing an accelerated Master of Business Administration degree. A minimum of 36 graduate semester hours are required to complete the program to earn the Master of Business Administration degree. Individuals who graduated with any of the above-listed degrees five years ago or longer may be required to complete foundational preparation in addition to completing the 36 semester hours of graduate core and elective coursework.

Graduate Business Certificates

Certificates allow students to update their graduate degrees or pursue a specific field of study with a focused curriculum. The certificates offered are:

School of Education

Robert Shaw, Dean

Undergraduate Programs of the School of Education

Teacher Education

The Teacher Education Programs are accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education or Special Education; or completion of requirements for Secondary Licensure leads to satisfaction of the requirement for the Utah Level I Teaching License.

The School offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as preparation for Secondary Teaching Licensure, to accompany a variety of teaching majors and minors.

Endorsement Programs

The college offers programs that lead to a state endorsement in Special Education of students with severe or mild to moderate disabilities, and English as a Second Language instruction. Students may enroll in these programs for an endorsement-only undergraduate minor or as part of the Master of Education (MED) or Master of Arts in Teaching programs.

Graduate Programs of the School of Education

Master of Education

The Master of Education Program has an instructional focus and is offered for licensed teachers in a public or private school or those who teach adults. Students may earn an endorsement in Reading (Basic or Advanced), English as a Second Language, Special Education, or Distance Learning, or an Adult Learning Certificate. Students may complete the portfolio for the National Board of Professional Teacher Standards as a part of any of the MED program options.

Master of Arts in Community Leadership

The Master of Arts in Community Leadership program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in non-profit and community organizations. The program prepares graduates in three key areas: management and leadership, community organizing and advocacy, and communications.

Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree and wish to earn a teaching license in elementary eduction, secondary education, or special education. The MAT program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. This program is specifically designed to prepare teacher candidates to serve the diverse populations of students in culturally rich schools. Individuals must be interested in pursuing an advanced degree that is demanding in its focus upon teacher preparation; in exploring issues of cultural diversity; in learning applications of technology for teaching; and in research into their own professional practices. Commitment to professional growth is a prerequisite.

Endorsement Programs

The college offers programs that lead to a state endorsement in Basic Reading, Advanced Reading, Distance Learning, Special Education of students with mild to moderate disabilities, Special Education of students with severe disabilities, and English as a Second Language instruction. Students may enroll in these programs for an endorsement-only undergraduate minor or as part of the Master of Education or Master of Arts in Teaching programs.

School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Sheryl Steadman, Dean

The Westminster School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers programs leading to the Baccalaureate and Master’s degrees in nursing, public health, and nurse anesthesia. The undergraduate program prepares students to begin practice as professional nurse generalists. The program is designed for all qualified applicants including high school graduates, transfer students, those with degrees in other fields, and licensed practical nurses.

Undergraduate Programs

Baccalaureate Nursing Program

The Baccalaureate Nursing program prepares students to practice as professional nurses. The curriculum provides students with various clinical experiences to enhance their learning. Graduates of the program are prepared to take the national licensing examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Human Performance and Wellness

Human Performance and Wellness courses include traditional strength training classes to innovative mind-body-spirit offerings in outdoor recreation and leadership opportunities, nutrition, athletic training, and preparation for certification in personal training and group exercise.

Baccalaureate Public Health Program

The Westminster College Bachelor of Science in Public Health Degree addresses the health of communities and populations through instruction, service and research. The program builds on Westminster College’s excellence in liberal arts education by emphasizing the role the humanities and social sciences have in public health, and then adding a commitment to scientific and quantitative sciences in addressing public health problems. Students who graduate with this degree will be able to utilize these tools to address public health issues with a scientifically sound methodology while remaining holistic, community-oriented and globally conscious.

Graduate Programs

The Family Nurse Practitioner Program offers working professional nurses the opportunity to become licensed and certified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with prescriptive privileges. To accommodate working nurses, classes are scheduled one to two days per week. Clinical assignments are one day per week based on the availability of the assigned preceptor. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the American Nurse Credential Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AAPN) certification exam and apply for Utah licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN).

Master of Science in Nursing Education/Nurse Educator Certificate

The Nurse Educator Program educates practicing nurses to teach professional nursing. This curriculum-based program prepares nurses to be more effective nurse educators in a clinical, college or university setting within the teaching-coaching domains of practice.

Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia

The Nurse Anesthesia Program provides an academic environment which offers the highest level of didactic, lab simulation and clinical site experiences. The MSNA program allows nurse anesthesia students to master the intellectual and technical skills required to become competent in the safe administration of anesthesia. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NBCRNA examination.

Master of Public Health/Certificate in Public Health

The Public Health Program lays a solid foundation for public health practice in the twenty-first century. The program focuses on developing knowledge and skills needed to be an effective member of the public health workforce. The program offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and a Certificate in Public Health (CPH) that are taught in an executive format, meaning core courses will be offered every two weeks on a Friday and Saturday during the semester. Additional courses may be offered in the evening. The MPH degree is recognized internationally for the public health professional.

International Travel/Study/Service/Work Programs

Westminster College offers three main options to study, travel, or serve internationally. Most students take advantage of the May Term trips that faculty lead each year. Space is limited, so look for information about the options for the upcoming May Term as early as November. A few students complete internship overseas. Please contact the Career Resource Center if you are interested in an international internship. Finally, a number of students spend an entire semester studying abroad. The Diversity and International Center counsels and assists interested students and has the paperwork needed to ensure the credits (and sometimes financial aid) will transfer. These forms must be completed before one leaves on any international experience.

Westminster College is also a member of the Utah Asian Studies Consortium. This consortium consists of all the universities and colleges in Utah, and it exists to promote connections between faculty and students in Utah and businesses and schools in Asia. The consortium offers May Term trips, internships, semester study abroad programs, and other opportunities in several Asian countries for Westminster students. Scholarships are available (through the consortium) for most of these activities. Please see Assistant Professor Steve Hurlbut in the Gore School of Business for more information.

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Programs

Westminster offers students an opportunity to participate in the ROTC programs of the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy through cooperative programs at the University of Utah.
ROTC programs offered through Westminster College appear as a complete unit in the listing of instructional programs. Students are advised to contact the personnel listed under the appropriate military program for detailed information.